The AI Revolution: How Creative Professionals Navigate a Changing Landscape
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is reshaping industries across the board, and creative fields are no exception. The Observer spoke with several professionals whose livelihoods are being directly impacted by the rise of AI tools.
Photography: A Profession Under Pressure
For some, the changes are unsettling. Oliver Fiegel, a 47-year-old photographer in Munich, has witnessed a significant downturn in his work. He pointed to a recent image in a German newspaper as evidence of the trend. The AI-generated illustration, depicting a child playing football, had glaring flaws—floating wildflowers, a missing goal net, and misshapen hands.
Fiegel, who has worked as a photographer for 18 years, explained that AI tools are undercutting his ability to earn a living. “AI’s had the most devastating effect on the industry,” he said. He has had to diversify his income streams and is now considering opening a natural wine bar.
Translation: Adapting to Automation
Karl Kerner, a seasoned translator, has also experienced the disruptive effects of AI. Specializing in scientific texts, he noted that the rise of AI-driven translation tools has diminished demand for his services. “I am now basically out of business,” he admitted, adding that the work requests have plummeted. Kerner now uses AI to assist with translation work, using his expertise to refine the output.
The Bright Side? Tech Aiding Job Performance
But not every story is one of decline. Alexander Calvey, a locum GP in Surrey, has found that using an AI scribe to handle his note-taking has saved him time and improved the details of his notes. This, in turn, allows him to focus more on patient care. Calvey believes that as the technology develops, it will be even more useful in advising on questioning and treatment.
Paul, a 44-year-old university researcher in mathematics and philosophy based in Stockholm, uses ChatGPT for tasks such as summarizing literature and brainstorming research questions. He values the tool’s ability to provide insights into areas beyond his own expertise.
Illustration: A Sudden Shift
Jenny Turner, a 33-year-old freelance illustrator in north-east England, has experienced a sharp contraction in demand for commissions. The proliferation of AI image tools has led to a collapse in her bespoke work, as AI-generated images are available at much lower prices. “I can no longer compete,” she said, expressing her frustration at the impact on her career. She has delisted her illustrations on Etsy and is considering alternative fields.
Broader Concerns and the Future
Turner, like many, is concerned about the amount of user data collected by the companies controlling generative AI tools – including her own data. The TUC has called for the government to take action in order to protect workers in creative industries.
These stories show how AI is quickly becoming a significant factor across a range of professions and industries. While some workers are facing displacement, others are finding ways to integrate AI into their workflows, changing how they work and adapt in light of technological developments.
